Washing-machine



AUNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES M. KERN, OF MORGANTOWN, VIRGINIA.

WASHING-MACHINE.

Specication of Letters Patent No. 15,949, dated October 21, 1866.

To all 'wh-0m t may concern Be it known that I, JAMES M. KERN, of Morgantown, in the county of Monongalia and State of Virginia,`have invented a new and useful Improvement in Washing-Machines; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the construction and operation of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawing, forming part of this speci-` fication, which represents a vertical, longitudinal section of the machine.

The nature of my invention consists in constructing the reciprocating presser hollow, and slotted in front; and in covering the face thereof, with a porous cloth. This cavity being designed as a receptacle for softsoap, to be gradually discharged to the clothes, through the slots and cloth, by the reciprocation of` the presser during the washing operation, as will be hereinaftei1 set forth.

In the drawing B is" the body of the machine, and P the presser reciprocating therein, alternately approaching and moving from the back piece C, by power applied to cross bar D. This presser has a cavity awithin it communicating with slots b in its front face. This face is covered with a cloth c, buttoned upon the presser. There is an opening o in the back of the presser,

to admit the soap. It is closed by plug p;

independent of the precise construction above set forth for the body of the machine and the parts connected therewith.

The gradual supply of soap furnished by the presser is far more effective in the washing operation than the ordinary manner of supplying it in large quantities; and it moreover induces an economy in its use.

I make no claim to the reciprocating presser, as such, but

I claim- The hollow, slotted faced presser, in combination with the cloth covering thereof, arranged, and operating substantially as described.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name before two subscribing witnesses.

JAMES M. KERN.

Witnesses ISAAC Scorr, EDwiN CLEAR. 

